San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. was nicked up in the third quarter of the team’s Week 16 contest at the Miami Dolphins.
Below is the latest on the injury status of the Niners wide receiver.
What Happened to Deebo Samuel Sr.?
UPDATE: Samuel returned to the game on the ensuing drive. He ended up recording a season-high 121 scrimmage yards while recording 12 touches, his most in a game since Week 1.
ORIGINAL: Samuel grabbed his wrist at the end of a 16-yard catch with 6:47 remaining in the third quarter (the play was called back due to an illegal formation). Although he remained on the sideline, he removed his helmet and appeared to be in some discomfort.
Deebo Samuel went to sideline, took off helmet and grabbed right wrist. He's on one knee
— Chris Perkins (@chrisperk) December 22, 2024
The good news is that he didn’t immediately depart for the blue medical tent or locker room. However, the 49ers’ drive ended on the next play, leaving his status somewhat ambiguous.
Samuel had three receptions for 44 yards and a touchdown, as well as an 11-yard rush before exiting. It was his first time reaching the end zone since Week 6, snapping an eight-game touchdown drought.
Potential Fantasy Fallout From Samuel’s Injury
Analysis via PFN’s Jason Katz and Kyle Soppe
Samuel was in the midst of his best game since Week 6. After having not reached so much as 23 receiving yards in five consecutive games, Samuel had three catches for 44 yards and a touchdown, as well as 11 yards on the ground.
Samuel showed flashes of his old self, with his touchdown being an impressive catch and run where he broke three tackles. Has Samuel done enough to be trustworthy for Week 17 if he is OK? I’m not sure, but his absence doesn’t really impact the fantasy values of anyone else, as Samuel wasn’t being overly impactful for most of the season anyway.
Samuel has produced 15% below PPR expectations this season, the lowest rate of his otherwise very efficient career. His points per target (1.57) also sits at a career low and his expected points per game are down 6.4% from a season ago.
